Smith’s presentation, "Supertall Towers and Green Cities," marks the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust’s third annual event in the Thinking into the Future: The Robie House Series on Architecture, Design and Ideas. A cocktail reception at 5 p.m. in the Gidwitz Lobby will precede his talk.

A fascination with tall buildings drew Smith to Skidmore Owings & Merrill in Chicago, where he completed the design for the Burj Khalifa. Now a leading international architect with expertise on super-tall towers, Smith views monumental skyscrapers as landmarks that represent modern technology and serve as sources of pride for a city. In his work, Smith says he strives to create inspiring designs that aid society, advance technology and sustain the environment.

Smith’s award-winning work includes some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, such as the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai and Rowes Wharf in Boston. The firm’s current projects include the world’s next tallest building, Kingdom Tower, now under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as well as a master plan for a self-sustaining satellite city, Tianfu Ecological City, outside Chengdu, China.

The Logan Center for the Arts, the University of Chicago and the American Institute of Architects, Chicago chapter are sponsoring the event at the Logan Center. Admission to the presentation and cocktail reception is $20 for members of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, the UChicago alumni, faculty and staff, AIA Chicago members, and teachers; $25 for non-members; and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased at gowright.org.

Launched in 2011, Thinking into the Future: The Robie House Series on Architecture, Design and Ideas engages leading international, national and Chicago voices in architecture, design and contemporary culture. Taking for its inspiration Wright’s forward-thinking philosophy as expressed in the Frederick C. Robie House, the program explores current ideas and issues in architecture, design and society that stimulate debate.